Richmond hosts are famously particular — and rightly so. Between Ham Fair, Hollyfield events, Royal Parks corporate hospitality and hundreds of private dinner parties every month, we''ve learned what separates a smooth event from a stressful one. Here are the tips we give every new Richmond client, plus a practical guide to last-minute bookings.
Host tip #1 — Portion for real appetites, not menus
Menus often overstate. In practice, expect Richmond guests to eat: 4–5 canapés at a drinks reception, 350–400g main course at a seated dinner, and 2 dessert bites at a stand-up buffet. Order too much and you''ll pay for leftovers; too little and service gets rushed.
Host tip #2 — Time food to arrivals + 45 minutes
Guests are usually 15–25 minutes late. Set service for 45 minutes after the invite start time. It gives late arrivals dignity and stops early guests eating everything on the buffet before others sit down.
Host tip #3 — Ask for dietary labels, not dietary menus
A single menu with clear labels (V, Ve, GF, Halal, contains nuts) is easier for guests than segregated tables. Every dish on our view the full Jaflong catering menu ships with labels as standard.
Host tip #4 — Brief the caterer once, in writing
Include: venue address + parking notes, service start time, guest count (with any late updates by 48h before), dietary needs, and a mobile number for the day-of contact. It saves 20+ phone calls.
Last-minute Richmond catering — what''s actually possible
Because our kitchen is in Richmond (TW10 7NF), we can turn around orders that Central London caterers can''t:
- Same-day pickup — thali boxes for up to 30 people, subject to 4-hour lead time.
- 48-hour delivered buffets — up to 80 guests on our Essential or Classic package.
- Emergency top-ups — if guest counts grow on the day, we can typically add 20–30 covers within 90 minutes.
Read the deeper walk-through in our last-minute Richmond booking guide, or get a quote in under 2 minutes.
Local-area coverage
We serve Richmond and neighbouring boroughs — see our local guides for Twickenham, Kingston, Surbiton and Teddington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really cater a Richmond dinner party at 24 hours'' notice?
For up to 40 guests on our Essential or Classic package, usually yes — subject to kitchen availability. Call 020 8332 1339 or WhatsApp 07436 026277 for a same-day confirmation.
How many dishes should I order per person?
A rule of thumb: 2 starters + 3 mains + 1 rice + 1 bread + 1 dessert covers a typical Indian buffet. Our compare our Essential, Classic & Premium catering packages are built around this ratio.
Do you provide serving staff for Richmond home events?
Yes — from £120 per staff member (4-hour minimum). One server per 30 guests is standard for buffet, one per 15 for plated.
What''s the cancellation policy on a last-minute Richmond booking?
Bookings confirmed within 72 hours require full payment upfront. Cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable; before 24 hours we refund 50%.
Related resources
Planning an event in Richmond, Kingston, Twickenham or the wider South-West London area? These pages help you take the next step:
- Request a free catering quote — tell us your date, guest count and venue and we'll reply the same day.
- Compare our catering packages — Essential (from £15pp), Classic (from £22pp) and Premium (from £35pp).
- Browse the full menu — 80+ Indian and Bangladeshi dishes with clear halal, vegan and gluten-free markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you cover?
Jaflong Catering is based in Richmond (TW10) and covers Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Twickenham, Teddington, Surbiton, Hampton, New Malden, Sheen and Wimbledon. Delivery is free within 10 miles; a small fee applies between 10 and 20 miles.
How much does catering cost per person?
Our packages start from £15 per head (Essential buffet), £22 per head (Classic) and £35 per head (Premium multi-course). Final pricing depends on guest count, menu choices and service style — request your bespoke catering quote for an exact figure.
Is your catering halal?
Yes. All our meat is sourced from trusted suppliers providing halal-certified products, and we can cater fully halal events including Nikah, Mehndi, Walimah, Eid and Aqiqah occasions. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the explore our full Indian & Bangladeshi catering menu.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings and events over 100 guests we recommend booking 6–12 weeks ahead. For smaller parties 2–3 weeks is usually enough, and we regularly accept last-minute bookings within 48 hours where capacity allows.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes — tastings are available by appointment for weddings and larger events. Ask about a tasting when you send us your event details for a personalised catering quote and we'll arrange a convenient slot at our Richmond kitchen.
